The Shops
Ngwenya Glass
Ngwenya Glass shop boasts our vast range of tableware and African animals, from classical to quirky wineglasses, large center pieces and one off pieces made in our onsite glass blowing factory. Our animal range covers the big five: Elephants, Leopards, Buffalo, Rhinos and Lions. Plus a whole range of aquatic and airborne animals.
Baobab Batik & Dala Spaces
Amid the picturesque mountains of Malkerns, Swaziland, on a dairy farm surrounded by pineapple fields you will find Baobab Batik. Founded by Els Hooft in 1991, with the aim of sharing her passion for batik, whilst building sustainable economic and social solutions for women in Swaziland.
www.baobab-batik.com
Gone Rural
Gone Rural is a revolutionary leader in social enterprise. Inspired by 750 women weavers, we rethink & transform craft, taking it to new heights globally.
Quazi Design
Quazi Design is a cutting edge craft company that transforms waste magazines into original accessories and interiors, believing that the combination of craftsmanship and innovation is a powerful tool to promote stability in the developing world.
www.quazidesign.com
Tintsaba
Our Signature Collection represents the finest woven sisal baskets and refined Sisal and Silver Jewellery, and is created by our most experienced Master Weavers and Silversmiths.
The Chocolate Shop
The Chocolate Shop produces hand-made Belgian style chocolate right here in Swaziland. An indulgent mix of beautiful chocolate shapes unusual flavours such as chilli, peanut butter and cocoa dusted truffles.
ngwenya-glass-chocolate-shop
Arrum Lilly
Young designer Tanya Aab is making waves with her line of one-of-a-kind fashion pieces. Tanya is making sassy, flirty dresses and outfits in tshweshwe fabrics
The Blowing Room
The Glass Blowers
They work seemingly effortless throughout the day making all manor of glassware items. One team blows wine glass, the next makes animal and the last team is reserved for anything out of the ordinary.
The furnace
This runs on a mix of KFC cooking oil sourced from all over Swaziland, old engine oil and a mix of parafin is added to reach the melting temperature of 1350 degree centigrade. We load the furnace each night with bottle glass collected from all over Swaziland.
The Lehr
This continuous feed oven/kiln is 12 meters long. At one end where the finished item are stowed the temperature is at 580 degrees centigrade. With varying temperatures throughout the conveyor, from 580 down to room temperature, the glass takes around 6 hours to get to the other end.
Videos
Reviews
With a deck overlooking the glassblowers, what a marvel to see how recycled glass bottles are transformed into wild animals, glasses, chess pieces, trinkets etc. Beautiful hand made pieces close to the border at Mbabane.
Leanne D - Pretoria, South Africa
The atmosphere in the factory area is worth a visit alone. Exciting and with a vibe and energy that is palpable and unique. A great collection of shops and Fair Trade to boot. The glass showroom is also a wonderful surprise with unique products that beg to be bought.
Garth J - Johannesburg
I visited this complex on a guided tour of Swaziland. It was a welcome dose of retail therapy after several days of camping and game viewing. The main attraction is the glass factory where you can watch the process from a viewing gallery. There are so many lovely pieces to buy and they wrap them well for the journey home
Joylon - London, United Kingdom
Fantastic experience and worth half a day of your time to see craftsmen at work first hand. Very nice shop display, also supported by fascinating local " craft" style shops on site.
Pat M - Ringwood, United Kingdom
A must visit if you're in Swaziland. Locals are encouraged to bring glass here to be recycled and made into beautiful glass pieces. You're able to go into the actual factory and watch as they heat and shape the glass. How interesting!
Celicia - New York City, New York
Over the years, I have purchased many Ngwenya glasses from a few different outlets, simply because their glasses are the best. The quality is good and they have so many beautiful unique designs. I recently purchased some online from their website and the service did not disappoint. Beautiful glasses delivered to my doorstep.
Jen Els
Nice place for visiting. The shop’s ladies are very nice and friendly.
Kristina Chang
